Method and photographing apparatus for controlling function based on gesture of user

ABSTRACT

A photographing apparatus including a sensor, a touchscreen, and a controller is disclosed. The sensor is configured to detect that a user approaches or comes within a predetermined proximity the photographing apparatus. The touchscreen is configured to display an image representing a state of the photographing apparatus and receive a gesture of the user. The controller is configured to enable a function of the touchscreen to detect the gesture based on a signal received from the sensor, and execute a function corresponding to the gesture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 toKorean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0100520, filed on Jul. 15, 2015,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to a method and photographing apparatus forcontrolling a function based on a gesture of a user.

2. Description of Related Art

With the development of technology related to photographing apparatuses,photographing apparatuses capable of capturing high-quality images havebeen developed. However, in the case where a user takes a picture byusing a viewfinder, since the user may not use touch, key, or wheelinput devices provided at a rear side of the photographing apparatus, itis difficult for the user to control the photographing apparatus.

Also, with the development of touchscreen technology, there is anincreasing demand for technology capable of performing various functionsbased on gestures that are input onto a screen of the photographingapparatus by the user.

SUMMARY

A method and a photographing apparatus for controlling a function of theapparatus based on a gesture of a user are provided.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores aprogram that, when executed, performs the above method is also provided.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description.

According to an aspect of an example embodiment, a photographingapparatus includes: a sensor configured to detect that a userapproaches, e.g., comes within a predetermined proximity to thephotographing apparatus; a touchscreen configured to display an imagerepresenting a state of the photographing apparatus and to receive agesture of the user; and a controller configured to enable a function ofthe touchscreen to detect the gesture based on a signal received fromthe sensor, and to perform a function corresponding to the gesture.

The controller may be configured to enable the function of detecting thegesture based on the signal received from the sensor while the imagerepresenting the state of the photographing apparatus is displayed.

The photographing apparatus may further include a viewfinder, whereinthe sensor may detect whether the user approaches the viewfinder.

The controller may be configured to display an image representing afunction performed by the photographing apparatus on the viewfinder.

The controller may be configured to set the function corresponding tothe gesture based on a received input, such as, for example, a userinput.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofsetting a photographing environment.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofadjusting a position of a focus of an image.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofexecuting an application installed in the photographing apparatus.

The image representing the state of the photographing apparatus mayinclude at least one of information about a currently-set function andinformation representing a state of a battery.

According to an aspect of another example embodiment, a method ofcontrolling a photographing apparatus includes: determining whether auser approaches the photographing apparatus; detecting a gesture of theuser when the user approaches the photographing apparatus; andperforming a function corresponding to the gesture when the gesture isdetected.

The method may further include displaying an image representing a stateof the photographing apparatus, wherein determining whether the userapproaches the photographing apparatus may include determining whetherthe user approaches the photographing apparatus while the image isdisplayed.

Determining whether the user approaches the photographing apparatus mayinclude determining whether the user approaches a viewfinder included inthe photographing apparatus.

The method may further include displaying an image representing afunction performed by the photographing apparatus on the viewfinder.

The method may further include setting the function corresponding to thegesture based on a received input, such as, for example, a user input.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofsetting a photographing environment.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofadjusting a position of a focus of an image.

The function corresponding to the gesture may include a function ofexecuting an application installed in the photographing apparatus.

The image representing the state of the photographing apparatus mayinclude at least one of information about a currently-set function andinformation representing a state of a battery.

According to an aspect of another example embodiment, a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium stores a program that performs theabove method when executed by a computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of controlling aphotographing apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another example of aphotographing apparatus;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a viewfinder;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of controllinga photographing apparatus;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus determining the approach of a user;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of a screen receiving agesture;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another state of a screen receiving agesture;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus executing a function corresponding to a gesture;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus setting a function corresponding to a gesture;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus setting a function corresponding to a gesture;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user inputting agesture through a screen displaying a live view image;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user selecting afunction by operating a wheel provided in a photographing apparatus; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating another example of aphotographing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to example embodiments, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the exampleembodiments may have different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, theexample embodiments are illustratively described below, by referring tothe figures, to explain various features. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” whenpreceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and donot necessarily modify the individual elements of the list.

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The example embodiments described below should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be interpretedas also including those that may be readily derived from the disclosureby those of ordinary skill in the art.

When something “includes” a component, another component may be furtherincluded unless specified otherwise. Also, the term “unit” used hereinrefers to a software component or a hardware component such aselectrical and/or digital circuitry, a field-programmable gate array(FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the“unit” performs some functions. However, the “unit” is not limited tosoftware or hardware. The “unit” may be formed so as to be in anaddressable storage medium, or may be formed so as to operate one ormore processors. Thus, for example, the “unit” may include componentssuch as software components, hardware components, object-orientedsoftware components, class components, and task components, and mayinclude processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines,segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcodes, circuits, data,a database, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. A functionprovided by the components and “units” may be associated with thesmaller number of components and “units”, or may be divided intoadditional components and “units”.

The term “gesture” may refer to a hand gesture of a user. For example,the gesture described herein may include a Tap, Touch & Hold, DoubleTap, Drag, Panning, Flick, Drag & Drop, etc.

“Tap” may, for example, refer to an operation of touching a screen veryquickly with a finger or a touch tool (stylus). For example, “Tap” maycorrespond to the case where there is a very small difference between atouch-in time point at which a finger or a touch tool touches a screen,and a touch-out time point at which the finger or the touch tool isseparated from the screen.

“Touch & Hold” may, for example, refer to an operation of touching thescreen with a finger or a touch tool and then holding the touch inputfor a critical time or more. For example, “Touch & Hold” may correspondto the case where a time difference between a touch-in time point and atouch-out time point is equal to or greater than the critical time. Whenthe touch input is held for the critical time or more, a visual orauditory feedback signal may be provided so that the user may recognizewhether the touch input is “Tap” or “Touch & Hold”.

“Double Tap” may, for example, refer to an operation of touching thescreen with a finger or a touch tool successively two times.

“Drag” may, for example, refer to an operation of touching the screenwith a finger or a touch tool and then shifting the finger or the touchtool to another position on the screen while maintaining the touch. Byperforming a drag operation, an object (e.g., an image included in athumbnail image) may be shifted, or a panning operation, or the like,which is described below, may be performed.

“Panning” may, for example, refer to an operation that performs a dragoperation without selecting an object. Since “Panning” does not involveselecting an object, an interactive screen shifts to a next page or anobject group shifts within the interactive screen, instead of the objectbeing shifted within the interactive screen.

“Flick” may, for example, refer to an operation of dragging very quicklywith a finger or a touch tool. “Drag (or Panning)” may, for example, bediscriminated from “Flick” based on whether the shift speed of thefinger or the touch tool is higher than a critical speed.

“Drag & Drop” may, for example, refer to an operation of dragging anddropping an object to a predetermined position on the screen with afinger or a touch tool.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of controlling aphotographing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, a photographing apparatus 100 enables a function ofa screen 20 to detect a gesture of the user based on whether a user 10approaches the photographing apparatus 100. For example, when the user10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100, the screen 20 detects agesture of the user. Then, the photographing apparatus 100 executes afunction corresponding to the gesture of the user. In the followingdisclosure, the term approaches may, for example, include coming withina predetermined range or proximity of a given object. As such, the termsapproaches and comes within a predetermined range or proximity or viewsan object through a viewfinder, or the like may be used interchangeably.

In this case, the screen 20 may, for example, display an imagerepresenting a state of the photographing apparatus 100. The imagerepresenting the state of the photographing apparatus 100 may, forexample, refer to information about a currently-set function of thephotographing apparatus 100 or information representing a state of abattery of the photographing apparatus 100. For example, the screen 20may display information about a set ISO sensitivity of the photographingapparatus 100, a set aperture value, and a remaining battery level.

In general, the user 10 sets a function of the photographing apparatus100 by using a button or a wheel included in the photographing apparatus100. For example, the user 10 detects a function of the photographingapparatus 100 through a screen 40 displaying a live view image and setsthe details of the function by using the button or the wheel. Thus, whenthe user 10 views a target object, which will be photographed, through aviewfinder 30, the user 10 may not select a desired function or set thedetails of a selected function.

The photographing apparatus 100 determines whether the user 10approaches the photographing apparatus 100. For example, thephotographing apparatus 100 may detect the approach of the user 10 tothe photographing apparatus 100 using a sensor. The approach of the user10 to the photographing apparatus 100 may, for example, refer to, but isnot limited to, the case where the user 10 views the target objectthrough the viewfinder 30.

When the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100, thephotographing apparatus 100 may detect a gesture of the user 10 throughthe screen 20. For example, the user 10 may perform various gestures bytouching the screen 20, and the photographing apparatus 100 may identifythe gesture of the user. Then, the photographing apparatus 100 mayexecute a function selected based on the gesture of the user 10.

In this case, the viewfinder 30 may display a menu 50 representingfunctions that may be executed by the photographing apparatus 100. Forexample, when the user 10 touches the screen 20 while staring the targetobject through the viewfinder 30, the viewfinder 30 may display the menu50. Thus, by performing a gesture, the user 10 may select any one of thefunctions represented by the menu 50 and may set the details of theselected function.

As described above, even while staring the target object through theviewfinder 30, the user 10 may select the function of the photographingapparatus 100 or set the details of the selected function. Thus, theuser 10 may easily perform a photographing operation based oninformation displayed in the viewfinder 30.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the photographing apparatus 100executes a function based on the gesture input through the screen 20,the disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, when the userperforms a gesture by touching the screen 40 while approaching thephotographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 mayidentify the gesture and execute a function corresponding to theidentified gesture.

Also, an image captured by the photographing apparatus 100 may, forexample, be a still image or a moving image.

Examples of the photographing apparatus 100 will be described below withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus.

Referring to FIG. 2, a photographing apparatus 100 a may include aphotographing unit 110, an analog signal processing unit 120, a memory130, a storage/read control unit 140, a data storage unit 142, a programstorage unit 150, a display driving unit 162, a display unit 164, acentral processing unit (CPU)/digital signal processor (DSP) 170, and anoperation unit 180.

An overall operation of the photographing apparatus 100 a may, forexample, be controlled by the CPU/DSP 170. In FIGS. 4 to 19, the CPU/DSP170 may be referred to as a controller. The CPU/DSP 170 may beconfigured to provide a control signal for operating each componentincluded in the photographing apparatus 100 a, such as a lens drivingunit 112, a diaphragm driving unit 115, an imaging device control unit119, the display driving unit 162, and the operation unit 180.

The photographing unit 110 may generate an image from an electricalsignal generated based on incident light, and may include a lens 111,the lens driving unit 112, a diaphragm 113, the diaphragm driving unit115, an imaging device 118, and the imaging device control unit 119.

The lens 111 may include a group of lenses. The position of the lens 111may be adjusted by the lens driving unit 112. The lens driving unit 112may adjust the position of the lens 111 based on a control signalprovided by the CPU/DSP 170.

The opening degree of the diaphragm 113 may be adjusted by the diaphragmdriving unit 115 to adjust the quantity of light that is incident on theimaging device 118.

An optical signal, which has penetrated the lens 111 and the diaphragm113, forms an image of a subject at a light-receiving surface of theimaging device 118. The imaging device 118 may, for example, include acharge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor (CIS), or the like, that convertsan optical signal into an electrical signal. The sensitivity of theimaging device 118 may be adjusted by the imaging device control unit119. The imaging device control unit 119 may be configured to controlthe imaging device 118 based on a control signal that is automaticallygenerated by an image signal that is input in real time, or based on acontrol signal that is manually input, for example, by a user'soperation.

An exposure time of the imaging device 118 may be adjusted by a shutter(not illustrated). Examples of the shutter may include a mechanicalshutter that controls the incidence of light by shifting a shield, andan electronic shutter that controls exposure by supplying an electricalsignal to the imaging device 118.

The analog signal processing unit 120 may, for example, be configured toperform a noise reduction operation, a gain control operation, awaveform shaping operation, and an analog-to-digital conversionoperation, or the like, on an analog signal supplied from the imagingdevice 118.

The signal processed by the analog signal processing unit 120 may beinput to the CPU/DSP 170 through the memory 130, or may be input to theCPU/DSP 170 without passing through the memory 130. The memory 130 may,for example, operate as a main memory of the photographing apparatus 100a, and may temporarily store necessary information during the operationof the CPU/DSP 170. The program storage unit 150 may, for example, storeprograms for an application system and an operating system for operatingthe photographing apparatus 100 a.

Also, the photographing apparatus 100 a may include the display unit 164for displaying an operation state of the photographing apparatus 100 aand image information captured by the photographing apparatus 100 a. Thedisplay unit 164 may provide visual information and/or aural informationto the user. In order to provide visual information, the display unit164 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or anorganic light-emitting display (OLED) panel, or the like.

Also, the photographing apparatus 100 a may include two or more displayunits 164, which may include a touchscreen that may detect a touchinput. For example, the photographing apparatus 100 a may include adisplay unit for displaying a live view image representing a targetobject to be photographed, and a display unit for displaying an imagerepresenting the state of the photographing apparatus 100 a.

The display driving unit 162 may provide a driving signal to the displayunit 164.

The CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to process an input image signal andto control the respective component units based on an external inputsignal. The CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to reduce noise in input imagedata and may be configured to perform image signal processing operationsfor image quality improvement, such as gamma correction, color filterarray interpolation, color matrix, color correction, and colorenhancement. Also, the CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to generate animage file by compressing the image data generated by the image signalprocessing operations for image quality improvement, or may beconfigured to restore the image data from the image file. An imagecompression format may, for example, be a reversible format or anirreversible format. In the case of a still image, examples of the imagecompression format may, for example, include a Joint PhotographicExperts Group (JPEG) format and a JPEG 2000 format. Also, in the case ofrecording a moving image, a moving image file may be generated bycompressing a plurality of frames according to the Moving PictureExperts Group (MPEG) standard.

The image data output from the CPU/DSP 170 may, for example, be input tothe storage/read control unit 140 directly or through the memory 130,and the storage/read control unit 140 may store the image data in thedata storage unit 142 automatically or based on a signal from the user.Also, the storage/read control unit 140 may read the image data from theimage file stored in the data storage unit 142 and input the read imagedata to the display driving unit through the memory 130 or another pathso that an image may be displayed on the display unit 164. The datastorage unit 142 may be detachable or may be permanently attached to thephotographing apparatus 100 a.

Also, the CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to perform functions such asobscuring, coloring, blurring, edge emphasis, image interpretation,image recognition, and image effects. As examples of the imagerecognition, face recognition or scene recognition may be performed.Also, the CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to perform display image signalprocessing for a display operation on the display unit 164. For example,the CPU/DSP 170 may be configured to perform luminance level adjustment,color correction, contrast adjustment, outline emphasis adjustment,screen division, character image generation, and image synthesis. TheCPU/DSP 170 may be connected to an external monitor to perform imagesignal processing for a display operation on the external monitor, andthe processed image data may be transmitted so that the relevant imagemay be displayed on the external monitor.

Also, by executing a program stored in the program storage unit 150 orby having a separate module, the CPU/DSP 170 may be configured togenerate control signals for controlling auto focusing, zoom change,focus change, and automatic exposure correction, to provide the controlsignals to the diaphragm driving unit 115, the lens driving unit 112,and the imaging device control unit 119, and to control the overalloperations of the components included in the photographing apparatus 100a, such as a shutter and a stroboscope.

The operation unit 180 may be used to input a control signal. Theoperation unit 180 may include various function buttons such as ashutter release button for inputting a shutter release signal forphotographing by exposing the imaging device 118 to light for apredetermined time, a power button for inputting a control signal forcontrolling power on/off, a zoom button for increasing or decreasing aviewing angle according to an input, a mode selection button, and otherphotographing setting value adjustment buttons. The operation unit 180may be implemented by any type of input unit, such as a button, akeyboard, a touch pad, a touchscreen, or a remote controller, thatenables the input of a control signal.

The sensor 190 may, for example, measure a physical parameter or detectan operation state of the photographing apparatus 100 a and convert themeasured or detected information into an electrical signal. An exampleof the sensor 190 included in the photographing apparatus 100 a will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 3. The sensor 190 may furtherinclude a control circuit configured to control one or more sensorsincluded therein. In some examples, the photographing apparatus 100 amay further include a processor, which is configured separately or as aportion of the CPU/DSP 170 to control the sensor 190, to control thesensor 190 while the CPU/DSP 170 is in a sleep state.

The photographing apparatus 100 a illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely anexample, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Another example of the photographing apparatus 100 will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another example of aphotographing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 3, a photographing apparatus 100 b may include, forexample, all or some of the photographing apparatus 100 illustrated inFIG. 1. The photographing apparatus 100 b may, for example, include atleast one processor (e.g., CPU/DSP or application processor (AP)) 2010,a communication module 2020, a subscriber identification module (SIM)2024, a memory 2030, a sensor module 2040, an input device 2050, adisplay 2060, an interface 2070, an audio module 2080, a camera module2091, a power management module 2095, a battery 2096, an indicator 2097,and a motor 2098.

For example, by driving an operating system (OS) or an applicationprogram, the processor 2010 may be configured to control a plurality ofhardware or software components connected to the processor 2010 and toperform various data processing and operations. The processor 2010 maybe implemented, for example, as a system on chip (SoC). According to anexample, the processor 2010 may include a graphic processing unit (GPU)and/or an image signal processor (ISP). The processor 2010 may includeat least some (e.g., a cellular module 2021) of the componentsillustrated in FIG. 3. The processor 2010 may load a command or datareceived from at least one of other components (e.g., a nonvolatilememory) into a volatile memory and process the loaded data, and theprocessor 2010 may store various data in the nonvolatile memory.

The communication module 2020 may include various communicationcircuitry, for example, the cellular module 2021, a wireless fidelity(WiFi) module 2023, a Bluetooth (BT) module 1025, a Global NavigationSatellite System (GNSS) module 2027 (e.g., a GPS module, a GLONASSmodule, a BeiDou module, or a Galileo module), a near fieldcommunication (NFC) module 2028, and a radio frequency (RF) module 2029.

The cellular module 2021 may provide, for example, a voice call service,a video call service, a text message service, or an Internet servicethrough a communication network. According to an example, the cellularmodule 2021 may identify and authenticate the photographing apparatus100 b in the communication network using the subscriber identificationmodule 2024 (e.g., a SIM card). According to an example, the cellularmodule 2021 may perform at least some of the functions that may beprovided by the processor 2010. According to an example, the cellularmodule 1021 may include a communication processor (CP).

Each of the WiFi module 2023, the BT module 2025, the GNSS module 2027,and the NFC module 2028 may include, for example, a processor forprocessing data transmitted/received through the corresponding module.According to various examples, at least some (e.g., two or more) of thecellular module 2021, the WiFi module 2023, the BT module 2025, the GNSSmodule 2027, and the NFC module 2028 may be included in an integratedchip (IC) or an IC package.

The RF module 2029 may transmit/receive, for example, a communicationsignal (e.g., an RF signal). The RF module 2029 may include, forexample, a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a low noiseamplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another example, at leastone of the cellular module 2021, the WiFi module 2023, the BT module2025, the GNSS module 2027, and the NFC module 2028 may transmit/receivean RF signal through a separate RF module.

For example, the subscriber identification module 2024 may include anembedded SIM and/or a card including a subscriber identification module,and may include unique identification information (e.g., an integratedcircuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., aninternational mobile subscriber identity (MO).

The memory 2030 may include, for example, an internal memory 2032 and/oran external memory 2034. The internal memory 2032 may include, forexample, at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic RAM (DRAM),a static RAM (SRAM), or a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)) and anonvolatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable ROM (OTPROM), aprogrammable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), anelectrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flashROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory), ahard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)).

The external memory 2034 may include, for example, a flash drive such ascompact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital(Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), amultimedia card (MMC), or a memory stick. The external memory 2034 maybe operatively and/or physically connected to the photographingapparatus 100 b through various interfaces.

For example, the sensor module 2040 may measure a physical parameter ordetect an operation state of the photographing apparatus 100 b andconvert the measured or detected information into an electrical signal.The sensor module 2040 may include, for example, at least one of agesture sensor 2040A, a gyro sensor 2040B, a pressure sensor 2040C, amagnetic sensor 2040D, an acceleration sensor 2040E, a grip sensor2040F, a proximity sensor 2040G, a color sensor 2040H (e.g., an RGB(Red, Green, Blue) sensor), a biometric sensor 2040I, atemperature/humidity sensor 2040J, an illumination sensor 2040K, and anultraviolet sensor 2040M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensormodule 2040 may include, for example, an E-nose sensor, anelectromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, anelectrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor,and/or a fingerprint sensor (not shown). The sensor module 2040 mayfurther include a control circuit configured to control one or more ofthe sensors included therein. In some examples, the photographingapparatus 100 b may further include a processor, which is configuredseparately or as a portion of the processor 2010 to control the sensormodule 2040, and to control the sensor module 2040 while the processor2010 is in a sleep state.

The input device 2050 may include, for example, a touch panel 2052, a(digital) pen sensor 2054, a key 2056, or an ultrasonic input device2058. The touch panel 2052 may include, for example, at least one of acapacitive type, a resistive type, an infrared type, and an ultrasonictype. Also, the touch panel 2052 may further include a control circuit.The touch panel 2052 may further include a tactile layer to provide ahaptic reaction to the user.

For example, the (digital) pen sensor 2054 may be a portion of the touchpanel or may include a separate recognition sheet. The key 2056 mayinclude, for example, a physical key, an optical key, or a keypad, orthe like. The ultrasonic input device 2058 may detect an ultrasonic wavegenerated by an input tool through a microphone (e.g., a microphone2088) and detect data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic wave.

The display 2060 (e.g., the display unit 164) may include a panel 2062,a hologram device 2064, and/or a projector 2066. For example, the panel2062 may be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable. Thepanel 2062 may be integrated with the touch panel 2052 into one module.The hologram device 2064 may display a stereoscopic image in the airusing light interference. The projector 2066 may display an image byprojecting light onto a screen. For example, the screen may be locatedinside or outside the photographing apparatus 100 b. According to anexample, the display 2060 may further include a control circuitconfigured to control the panel 2062, the hologram device 2064, and/orthe projector 2066.

The interface 2070 may include, for example, a high-definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI) 2072, a universal serial bus (USB) 2074, anoptical interface 2076, and/or a D-subminiature (D-SUB) 2078.Additionally or alternatively, the interface 2070 may include, forexample, a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a secure digital(SD) card/multimedia card (MMC) interface, or an infrared dataassociation (IrDA) standard interface (not shown).

For example, the audio module 2080 may convert a sound into anelectrical signal and an electrical signal into a sound. For example,the audio module 2080 may process sound information that is input oroutput through a speaker 2082, a receiver 2084, an earphone 2086, or amicrophone 2088.

For example, the camera module 2091 may capture a still image and/or amoving image. According to an example, the camera module 2091 mayinclude one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rearsensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., anLED or a xenon lamp).

For example, the power management module 2095 may manage the power ofthe photographing apparatus 100 b. According to an example, the powermanagement module 2095 may include a power management integrated circuit(PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC), or a battery or fuel gauge.The PMIC may have a wired and/or wireless charge mode. For example, thewireless charge mode may include a magnetic resonance mode, a magneticinduction mode, or an electromagnetic wave mode and may further includean additional wireless charge circuit such as a coil loop, a resonantcircuit, or a rectifier. For example, the battery gauge may measure theresidual capacity, charge voltage, current, or temperature of thebattery 2096. The battery 2096 may include, for example, a rechargeablebattery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator 2097 may indicate a particular state of the photographingapparatus 100 b or a portion thereof (e.g., the processor 2010), such asa booting state, a message state, or a charge state. The motor 2098 mayconvert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration and maygenerate a vibration or a haptic effect. Although not illustrated inFIG. 3, the photographing apparatus 100 b may include a processingdevice (e.g., a GPU) for supporting a mobile TV. For example, theprocessing device for supporting a mobile TV may process media databased on standards such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB),digital video broadcasting (DVB), or MediaFLO™.

Each of the components described herein may include one or morecomponents, and the name of each component may vary based on the type ofthe electronic apparatus. In various examples, the electronic apparatusmay include at least one of the components described herein, and somecomponents may be omitted from the electronic apparatus or additionalother components may be further included in the electronic apparatus.Also, some of the components of the electronic apparatus according tovarious examples may be combined into one entity to perform the samefunctions as the corresponding components prior to combination.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a viewfinder.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a viewfinder 410 included in thephotographing apparatus 100. The viewfinder 410 may be included in thephotographing apparatus 100. As an example, the viewfinder 410 may befabricated to be attachable/detachable to/from the photographingapparatus 100.

The viewfinder 410 may, for example, refer to a device that is lookedthrough to take a picture or to focus. For example, the viewfinder 410may be implemented by an optical viewfinder (OVF) or an electronicviewfinder (EVF). The OVF may refer to a device that shows an image tothe user 10 by reflecting an image input through a lens of thephotographing apparatus 100 by a mirror based, for example, on theprinciple of telescopes. The EVF may refer to a device that displays animage input through a lens on an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

The user 10 may view a target object, which is to be photographed,through the viewfinder 410 and may capture an image including the targetobject by adjusting the composition or focus thereof.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a viewfinder 420 that is detachablefrom the photographing apparatus 100. As an example, the viewfinder 420may be implemented as a device that is independent from thephotographing apparatus 100, and the user 10 may use the viewfinder 420in combination with the photographing apparatus 100.

In this case, a portion including a lens 421 in the viewfinder 420,through which the user 10 looks, may be adjusted to enable viewing invarious directions. Thus, the user 10 may capture an image while viewingvarious angles.

Examples of executing a function corresponding to a gesture of the userby the photographing apparatus 100 will be described below withreference to FIGS. 5 and 17.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of controllinga photographing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 5, the photographing apparatus control method mayinclude sequential operations that are sequentially processed in thephotographing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Thus, althoughomitted, the above descriptions about the photographing apparatus 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may also be applied to the photographingapparatus control method of FIG. 5.

In operation 510, the photographing apparatus 100 may determine whetherthe user approaches the photographing apparatus 100. As an example, thephotographing apparatus 100 may detect the approach of the user to thephotographing apparatus 100. For example, the sensor 190 or the sensormodule 2040 of the photographing apparatus 100 may detect the approachof the user to the photographing apparatus 100. The sensor 190 or thesensor module 2040 may include a proximity sensor but is not limitedthereto.

An example of determining the approach of the user to the photographingapparatus 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus determining an approach of the user.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example in which the user 10 is spaced apart fromthe photographing apparatus 100 by a predetermined distance or more. Asensor 610 included in the photographing apparatus 100 may detect theapproach of the user 10 to the photographing apparatus 100. For example,the sensor 610 may irradiate light to the outside of the photographingapparatus 100 and use a signal reflected from an object to detect theapproach of the user 10 to the photographing apparatus 100.

For example, the sensor 610 may include a transmitting unit forirradiating light to outside thereof and a receiving unit for receivinga signal from the outside. The light may include an infrared light butis not limited thereto. For example, the transmitting unit of the sensor610 may include a light source, and light generated from the lightsource may be irradiated to the user 10, e.g., the target object. Then,the receiving unit of the sensor 610 may acquire a signal reflected fromthe target object.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example in which the user 10 approaches thephotographing apparatus 100. The photographing apparatus 100 maydetermine whether the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus100, based on the signal acquired by the receiving unit of the sensor610. For example, based on the signal received from the sensor 610, thephotographing apparatus 100 may determine whether the user 10 approachesthe viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 100, such as, for example,by determining a proximity of a user.

As an example, the photographing apparatus 100 may measure the strengthof the signal acquired by the receiving unit and determine the distancefrom the sensor 610 to the user 10. For example, the photographingapparatus 100 may compare the strength of the signal acquired by thereceiving unit with a pre-stored mapping table and determine thedistance from the photographing apparatus 100 to the user 10. Then, whenthe determined distance is smaller than a predetermined distance, thephotographing apparatus 100 may determine that the user 10 approachesthe photographing apparatus 100.

As another example, when the distance from the sensor 610 to the user 10is smaller than a predetermined distance, the sensor 610 may transmit asignal indicating the approach of the user 10 to the photographingapparatus 100. For example, information about a signal amount or asignal strength corresponding to a predetermined distance may bepre-stored in the photographing apparatus 100, and the sensor 610 maycompare the acquired signal with the pre-stored information to determinewhether the distance from the sensor 610 to the user 10 is smaller thanthe predetermined distance. When the distance from the sensor 610 to theuser 10 is smaller than the predetermined distance, the sensor 610 maytransmit the signal indicating the approach of the user 10 to thephotographing apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 520, when the user 10 approaches thephotographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 may beconfigured to enable a function of detecting a gesture of the user 10.As an example, when the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus100, the photographing apparatus 100 may receive a gesture of the user10 through a screen included in the photographing apparatus 100. Thescreen may refer to, but is not limited to, a screen displaying an imagerepresenting the state of the photographing apparatus 100.

The photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to enable a functionof the screen to detect a gesture of the user 10 based on the signalreceived from the sensor while displaying the image representing thestate of the photographing apparatus 100 on the screen. As an example,when the photographing apparatus 100 is turned on, the photographingapparatus 100 may display the image representing the state of thephotographing apparatus 100 on the screen. Thereafter, based on whetherthe user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100, thephotographing apparatus 100 may be configured to enable the function ofthe screen to detect a gesture of the user 10 and may change the stateof the screen (i.e., the image displayed on the screen).

An example of the screen receiving a gesture of the user 10 will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state of the screen that may receivea gesture.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the user 10 is spaced apart fromthe photographing apparatus 100 by a predetermined distance or more.

Referring to FIG. 7, the photographing apparatus 100 may include ascreen 710 displaying an image representing the state of thephotographing apparatus 100. The image representing the state of thephotographing apparatus 100 may refer to information about acurrently-set function of the photographing apparatus 100 or informationrepresenting the state of a battery of the photographing apparatus 100.For example, the screen 710 may display information about a set ISOsensitivity of the photographing apparatus 100, a set aperture value,and a remaining battery level. Thus, through the screen 710, the user 10may determine the current state of the photographing apparatus 100 andthe current function set in the photographing apparatus 100.

When the user 10 is spaced apart from the photographing apparatus 100 bya predetermined distance or more, the photographing apparatus 100 may beconfigured to disable a function of the screen 710 to detect a gestureof the user. For example, the screen 710 may only function to displayinformation and may not detect a gesture of the user 10. Thus, even whenthe user 10 performs a gesture such as a tap or a drag, thephotographing apparatus 100 may not perform a function corresponding tothe gesture.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another state of the screen receiving agesture.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the user 10 approaches thephotographing apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the user 10 approaches the photographingapparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured toenable a function of a screen 810, 820, or 830 to detect a gesture ofthe user. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, when the user 10does not approach the photographing apparatus 100, the screen 710 maynot detect a gesture of the user. On the other hand, when the user 10approaches the photographing apparatus 100, the screen 810, 820, or 830may detect a gesture of the user. Thus, the photographing apparatus 100may be configured to execute or perform a predetermined function basedon the gesture of the user 10.

As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the screen 710 may displayan image representing the state of the photographing apparatus 100.However, when the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100,the screen 810, 820, or 830 may or may not display an image representingthe state of the photographing apparatus 100.

As an example, the photographing apparatus 100 may not display any imageon the screen 810. In other words, when the user 10 is spaced apart fromthe photographing apparatus 100 by a predetermined distance or more, thephotographing apparatus 100 may display an image representing the stateof the photographing apparatus 100 on the screen 810, and when the user10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100, the photographingapparatus 100 may delete the image displayed on the screen 810.

As another example, the photographing apparatus 100 may display anotherimage on the screen 820 based on whether the user 10 approaches thephotographing apparatus 100. In other words, when the user 10 is spacedapart from the photographing apparatus 100 by a predetermined distanceor more, the photographing apparatus 100 may display an imagerepresenting the state of the photographing apparatus 100 on the screen820, and when the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100,the photographing apparatus 100 may replace the image displayed on thescreen 820 with an alternative image. As an example of the alternativeimage displayed on the screen 820, FIG. 8 illustrates an imageindicating that a gesture of the user 10 may be detected. However, thealternative image displayed on the screen 820 is not limited to theimage illustrated in FIG. 8, and may be any image that is different fromthe image pre-displayed on the screen 820.

As another example, even when the user 10 approaches the photographingapparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 may maintain thepre-displayed image representing the state of the photographingapparatus 100. In other words, regardless of whether the user 10approaches the photographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus100 may continuously display the image representing the state of thephotographing apparatus 100 on the screen 830.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8, when the user 10 approachesthe photographing apparatus 100, the states of the screens 810, 820, and830 may vary. However, when the user 10 approaches the photographingapparatus 100, the screen 810, 820, or 830 may detect a gesture of theuser 10 in a similar manner.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 530, the photographing apparatus 100may be configured to execute or perform a function corresponding to thedetected gesture. In other words, the photographing apparatus 100 may beconfigured to execute or perform a function selected based on thegesture of the user 10.

Operation 530 will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus executing a function corresponding to a gesture.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 may include sequential operationsthat are sequentially processed in the photographing apparatus 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Thus, although omitted, the abovedescriptions about the photographing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS.1 to 4 may also be applied to the flowchart of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 910, the photographing apparatus 100may detect a first gesture of the user. For example, the user 10 mayinput a first gesture by touching the screen included in thephotographing apparatus 100, and the photographing apparatus 100 may beconfigured to identify the first gesture. The first gesture may, forexample, correspond to an operation of tapping the screen but is notlimited thereto.

In operation 920, the photographing apparatus 100 may display a mainimage on the viewfinder. The main image may, for example, refer to amenu image including a group of functions that may be performed by thephotographing apparatus 100. In other words, when the user 10 taps thescreen, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to display themenu image on the viewfinder.

In operation 930, the photographing apparatus 100 may select a functionbased on a second gesture of the user. For example, when the user 10performs a drag in various directions on the screen, the photographingapparatus 100 may be configured to select any one of the functionsrepresented in the menu according to the direction of the drag. In thiscase, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to change thefunctions represented in the menu based on the drag performed by theuser 10 and display the results on the viewfinder.

In operation 940, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured toexecute or perform the selected function. The executed function may, forexample, include a function of setting a photographing environment, afunction of adjusting the position of a focus of an image, or a functionof executing an application installed in the photographing apparatus100.

Examples of selecting a function based on a gesture of the user 10 andthe photographing apparatus 100 executing the selected function will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15. However, thedisclosure is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15,and the examples of the disclosure may be applied to all functions thatmay be executed by the photographing apparatus 100.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 10, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute or perform a photographing mode. For example, when the user10 taps the screen while approaching the photographing apparatus 100,the photographing apparatus 100 may display a menu image 1020 includinga group of functions on a viewfinder 1010. By performing a leftward orrightward drag on the screen, the user 10 may select any one 1021 of thefunctions represented in the menu image 1020.

When the user 10 selects the function 1021, the photographing apparatus100 may be configured to display an image 1030 representing thesub-settings of the function 1021 on the viewfinder 1010. For example,when the user 10 selects a photographing mode 1021, the photographingapparatus 100 may display an image 1030 representing a P mode, an Amode, an S mode, and an M mode, which are the sub-modes of thephotographing mode 1021, on the viewfinder 1010.

For example, the user 10 may perform an upward or downward drag on thescreen, and the P mode, the A mode, the S mode, and the M mode may besequentially displayed on the image 1030 based on the drag performed bythe user 10. Thus, by tapping or double-tapping the screen, the user 10may select the sub-mode (e.g., the P mode) displayed on the viewfinder1010.

Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 100 may execute the sub-modeselected based on the tap or the double tap performed by the user 10.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 11, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute or perform a continuous (Cont) mode. For example, when theuser 10 taps the screen while approaching the photographing apparatus100, the photographing apparatus 100 may display a menu image 1120including a group of functions on a viewfinder 1110. By performing aleftward or rightward drag on the screen, the user 10 may select any one1121 of the functions represented in the menu image 1120.

When the user 10 selects a Cont mode 1121, the photographing apparatus100 may be configured to display an image 1130 representing thesub-settings of the Cont mode 1121 on the viewfinder 1110. For example,the photographing apparatus 100 may display an image 1130 representing ahigh-speed continuous (H-Cont) mode, a low-speed continuous (L-Cont)mode, and a normal continuous (Normal) mode, which are the sub-modes ofthe Cont mode 1121, on the viewfinder 1110.

For example, the user 10 may perform an upward or downward drag on thescreen, and the H-Cont mode, the L-Cont mode, and the Normal mode (notshown) may be sequentially displayed on the image 1130 based on the dragperformed by the user 10. Thus, by tapping or double-tapping the screen,the user 10 may select the sub-mode (e.g., the Normal mode) displayed onthe viewfinder 1110.

Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to executeor perform the sub-mode selected based on the tap or the double tapperformed by the user 10.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 12, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute or perform an auto focusing (AF) mode. For example, when theuser 10 taps the screen while approaching the photographing apparatus100, the photographing apparatus 100 may display a menu image 1220including a group of modes on a viewfinder 1210. By performing aleftward or rightward drag on the screen, the user 10 may select any one1221 of the modes represented in the menu image 1220.

When the user 10 selects an AF mode 1221, the photographing apparatus100 may adjust the position of a focus of an image based on the gestureof the user. First, when the user 10 selects the AF mode 1221, thephotographing apparatus 100 may display an image 1230 representing thesub-settings of the AF mode 1221 on the viewfinder 1210. For example,the photographing apparatus 100 may display an image 1230 representing asingle AF mode, a continuous AF mode, an active AF mode, and a manualmode (not shown), which are the sub-modes of the AF mode 1221, on theviewfinder 1210.

For example, the user 10 may perform an upward or downward drag on thescreen, and the single AF mode, the continuous AF mode, the active AFmode, and the manual mode may be sequentially displayed on the image1230 based on the drag performed by the user 10. Thus, by tapping ordouble-tapping the screen, the user 10 may select the sub-mode (e.g.,the single AF mode) displayed on the viewfinder 1210.

Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 100 may set a focus 1241 on theviewfinder 1210. The photographing apparatus 100 may be configured toadjust the position of the focus 1241 based on the gesture of the user10. For example, when the user 10 selects the single AF mode, thephotographing apparatus 100 may set the focus 1241 at a position in theimage displayed on the viewfinder 1210. Thereafter, by performing a dragin various directions on the screen, the user 10 may change the positionof the set focus 1241 into another point 1242.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 13, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute or perform a picture wizard mode. The picture wizard modeillustrated in FIG. 13 may refer to a function of applying variouseffects to an image. In other words, the photographing apparatus 100 mayapply various effects to an image by adjusting the chroma and thebrightness of the image based on the concept of the picture wizard mode.

For example, when the user 10 taps the screen while approaching thephotographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 may displaya menu image 1320 including a group of functions on a viewfinder 1310.By performing a leftward or rightward drag on the screen, the user 10may select any one 1321 of the functions represented in the menu image1320.

When the user 10 selects a picture wizard mode 1321, the photographingapparatus 100 may display an image 1330 representing the concept of thepicture wizard mode 1321 on the viewfinder 1310. For example, thephotographing apparatus 100 may display an image 1330 representinglandscapes or characters (not shown), which are the concepts in thepicture wizard mode 1321, on the viewfinder 1310.

For example, the user 10 may perform an upward or downward drag on thescreen, and various concepts such as landscapes and characters may besequentially displayed on the image 1330 based on the drag performed bythe user 10. Thus, by tapping or double-tapping the screen, the user 10may select the concept (e.g., the landscape) displayed on the viewfinder1310.

The photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to process the imagebased on the concept selected based on the tap or the double tapperformed by the user 10.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 14, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute or perform a detailed function. The detailed functionillustrated in FIG. 14 may refer to a function for adjusting varioussettings (e.g., shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture value, and EV)that are required by the photographing apparatus 100 to performphotographing. For example, when the user 10 taps the screen whileapproaching the photographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus100 may display a menu image 1420 including a group of functions on aviewfinder 1410. By performing a leftward or rightward drag on thescreen, the user 10 may select any one 1421 of the functions representedin the menu image 1420.

When the user 10 selects a detailed function 1421, the photographingapparatus 100 may display an image 1430 representing the sub-factors ofthe detailed function 1421 on the viewfinder 1410. For example, the user10 may perform an upward or downward drag on the screen, and variousfactors such shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, aperture value, and EV (notshown) may be sequentially displayed on the image 1430 based on the dragperformed by the user 10. Thus, by tapping or double-tapping the screen,the user 10 may select the factor (e.g., the shutter speed) displayed onthe viewfinder 1410.

Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured to changethe selected factor value (e.g., the shutter speed) based on the inputof the user 10.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of a photographingapparatus executing a selected function based on a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 15, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto execute an application. The application may refer to a function ofexecuting any one of the applications installed in the photographingapparatus 100.

For example, when the user 10 taps the screen while approaching thephotographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 may displaya menu image 1520 including a group of functions on a viewfinder 1510.By performing a leftward or rightward drag on the screen, the user 10may select any one 1521 of the functions represented in the menu image1520.

When the user 10 selects an application 1521, the photographingapparatus 100 may display a list 1530 of applications installed in thephotographing apparatus 100 on the viewfinder 1510.

For example, the user 10 may perform a drag in various directions on thescreen, and any one 1531 of the applications represented in the list maybe selected according to the drag of the user 10. Thereafter, thephotographing apparatus 10 may be configured to execute an applicationselected based on the tap or the double tap performed by the user 10. Itis assumed for the purposes of the description below that an application1531 is executed to upload pictures to a server.

When the application 1531 is executed, the photographing apparatus 100may display thumbnails 1540 of the pre-stored images on the viewfinder1510. The user 10 may perform a drag in various directions on thescreen, and any one 1541 of the thumbnails 1540 may be selected based onthe drag performed by the user 10.

The photographing apparatus 100 may upload an image corresponding to theselected thumbnail 1541 to the server and display an image 1550indicating the completion of the upload on the viewfinder 1510.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15, the photographingapparatus 100 may be configured to display a menu on the viewfinder andto execute or perform a function selected from the menu based on agesture of the user.

On the other hand, the photographing apparatus 100 may pre-set afunction corresponding to each gesture based on a user input. As anexample, the photographing apparatus 100 may immediately execute apre-set function based on an input gesture without displaying a menu onthe viewfinder. An example of setting a function corresponding to agesture by the photographing apparatus 100 will be described below withreference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus setting a function corresponding to a gesture.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 16 may include sequential operationsthat are sequentially processed in the photographing apparatus 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Thus, although omitted, the abovedescriptions about the photographing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS.1 to 4 may also be applied to the flowchart of FIG. 16.

Referring to FIG. 16, in operation 1610, the photographing apparatus 100may detect a third gesture of the user. For example, the user 10 mayinput a third gesture by touching the screen included in thephotographing apparatus 100, and the photographing apparatus 100 may beconfigured to identify the third gesture. The third gesture may, forexample, correspond to an operation of tapping the screen but is notlimited thereto.

In operation 1620, the photographing apparatus 100 may display a mainimage on the viewfinder. The main image may, for example, refer to amenu image including a group of functions that may be performed by thephotographing apparatus 100. In other words, when the user 10 taps thescreen, the photographing apparatus 100 may display the menu image onthe viewfinder.

In operation 1630, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configured toexecute or perform a user setting function according to a fourth gestureof the user. For example, when the user 10 inputs a gesture forselecting the user setting function among the functions included in themenu image, the photographing apparatus 100 may execute the user settingfunction.

In operation 1640, the photographing apparatus 100 may detect a fifthgesture of the user and select a function corresponding to the fifthgesture. For example, the photographing apparatus 100 may be configuredto request the user to input a gesture and to select a functioncorresponding to the input gesture.

In operation 1650, the photographing apparatus 100 may match and storethe fifth gesture and the function selected in operation 1640.

An example of setting a function corresponding to a gesture by thephotographing apparatus 100 will be described below with reference toFIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographingapparatus setting a function corresponding to a gesture.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the user 10 taps the screen while approachingthe photographing apparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 maydisplay a menu image 1720 including a group of functions on a viewfinder1710. By performing a leftward or rightward drag on the screen, the user10 may select a user setting function 1721 from among the functionsrepresented in the menu image 1720.

When the user setting function 1721 is selected, the photographingapparatus 100 may request the user 10 to input a gesture. For example,the photographing apparatus 100 may display an image 1730 for requestingthe input of a gesture on the viewfinder 1710, and may wait for apredetermined time. When a gesture is not input for the predeterminedtime, the photographing apparatus 100 may re-request the user 10 toinput a gesture or re-display the menu image 1720 on the viewfinder1710.

When the user 10 inputs a gesture on the screen, the photographingapparatus 100 may identify the input gesture. Then, the photographingapparatus 100 may request the user 10 to select a function. For example,based on the drag performed by the user 10, the photographing apparatus100 may sequentially display all functions, which may be performed bythe photographing apparatus 100, on the viewfinder 1710. Thus, bytapping or double-tapping the screen, the user 10 may select a function1740 displayed on the viewfinder 1710.

When the user 10 selects a function, the photographing apparatus 100 maybe configured to match and store the gesture and the function.Thereafter, when the user 10 performs a gesture, the photographingapparatus 100 may immediately execute a stored function matched to thegesture.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17, the user 10 mayinput a gesture through the screen displaying an image representing thestate of the photographing apparatus 100. Also, the user 10 may input agesture through the screen displaying a live view image. Also, the user10 may select a function, which will be performed by the photographingapparatus 100, by using the wheel provided in the photographingapparatus 100.

Examples of the user 10 selecting a function, which will be performed bythe photographing apparatus 100, by operating different componentsprovided in the photographing apparatus 100 will be described below withreference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of inputting a gesturethrough a screen displaying a live view image.

Referring to FIG. 18, when the user 10 approaches the photographingapparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 enables a function of ascreen 1810 to detect a gesture of the user 10. When the user 10 tapsthe screen 1810 while approaching the photographing apparatus 100, thephotographing apparatus 100 may display a menu image 1830 including agroup of functions, which may be performed by the photographingapparatus 100, on a screen 1820 displaying a live view image.

The user 10 may select any one of the functions by inputting a gestureon the screen 1820 with reference to the menu image 1830 displayed onthe screen 1820. As an example, like the screen 1810, the screen 1820may function as a touchscreen. Thus, the user 10 may input a gesture byusing the screen 1810 or the screen 1820 selectively.

In this case, an example of the user 10 selecting the function based onthe gesture input through the screen 1820 and the photographingapparatus 100 executing the selected function may be the same asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user selecting afunction through a wheel provided in a photographing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 19, when the user 10 approaches the photographingapparatus 100, the photographing apparatus 100 enables a function ofdetecting a gesture of the user by a screen 1910. When the user 10 tapsthe screen 1910 while approaching the photographing apparatus 100, thephotographing apparatus 100 may display a menu image 1930 including agroup of functions, which may be performed by the photographingapparatus 100, on a viewfinder 1920.

On the other hand, the user 10 may select a function, which will beperformed by the photographing apparatus 100, by operating wheels 1941,1942, and 1943 included in the photographing apparatus 100 withoutperforming a gesture on the screen 1910. As an example, the user 10 mayselect any one of the functions included in the menu image 1930 byoperating the wheels 1941, 1942, and 1943, and the photographingapparatus 100 may execute the selected function. In this case, anexample of selecting the function by the user 10 by operating the wheels1941, 1942, and 1943 and executing the selected function by thephotographing apparatus 100 may be the same as described above withreference to FIGS. 10 to 17.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating another example of aphotographing apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 20, a photographing apparatus 100 c may include asensor 3010, a touchscreen 3020, and a controller 3030. Only componentsnecessary for implementing some examples are included in thephotographing apparatus 100 c of FIG. 20. Thus, according to theexamples, the photographing apparatus 100 c may further include thecomponents included in the photographing apparatuses 100 a and 100 billustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Also, the following descriptions about thephotographing apparatus 100 c may also be applied to the photographingapparatuses 100 a and 100 b illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Also, althoughomitted, the above descriptions made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19 mayalso be applied to the photographing apparatus 100 c of FIG. 20.

The sensor 3010 may detect the approach of the user to the photographingapparatus 100 c. The sensor 3010 may include a proximity sensor but isnot limited thereto. The photographing apparatus 100 c may detect theapproach of the user 10 to the photographing apparatus 100 c through thesensor 3010. The approach of the user 10 to the photographing apparatus100 c may refer to, but is not limited to, the case where the user 10views the target object through the viewfinder.

The touchscreen 3020 may display an image representing the state of thephotographing apparatus 100 c and receive a gesture of the user 10. Forexample, when the user 10 approaches the photographing apparatus 100 c,a function of the touchscreen 3020 to detect a gesture may be enabled.The image representing the state of the photographing apparatus 100 cmay refer to information about a currently-set function of thephotographing apparatus 100 c or information representing the state of abattery of the photographing apparatus 100 c. For example, thetouchscreen 3020 may display information about a set ISO sensitivity ofthe photographing apparatus 100 c, a set aperture value, and a remainingbattery level.

The controller 3030 may be configured to enable a function of thetouchscreen 3020 to detect a gesture based on a signal received from thesensor 3010. Then, the controller 3030 may be configured to execute afunction corresponding to the gesture of the user 10. For example, thecontroller 3030 may be configured to enable the function of thetouchscreen 3020 to detect a gesture only when the user 10 approachesthe photographing apparatus 100 c. The controller 3030 may be configuredto execute a function selected based on the gesture of the user 10.

For example, the user 10 may perform various gestures by touching thetouchscreen 3020, and the photographing apparatus 100 c may beconfigured to identify the gesture of the user 10. Then, thephotographing apparatus 100 c may be configured to execute a functionselected according to the gesture of the user 10.

As described above, even while viewing the target object through theviewfinder, the user may select a function of the photographingapparatus or set details of the selected function. Thus, the user mayeasily perform a photographing operation based on the viewfinder.

The above method of the disclosure may be written as a computer programand may be implemented in computer that executes the program using anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Also, the datastructure used in the above example method may be recorded in anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium through various means.Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable recording mediuminclude recording media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROMs,RAMs, USBs, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical recording media(e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.).

Also, the above method may be performed by executing the instructionsincluded in at least one of the programs stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium. When the instructions are executedby a computer, the computer may perform a function corresponding to theinstructions. The instructions may include machine language codes thatmay be generated by a compiler, and high-level language codes that maybe executed by a computer by using an interpreter. A processor may be anexample of the computer, and a memory may be an example of thenon-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changesin form and details may be made in the examples without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Thus, the examples should be considered in a descriptive orillustrative sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore,the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed descriptionbut by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will beconstrued as being included in the scope of the disclosure.

Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typicallybe considered as available for other similar features or aspects inother examples.

While one or more examples have been described with reference to thefigures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat various changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A photographing apparatus comprising: a sensorconfigured to detect a proximity of a user to the photographingapparatus; a touchscreen configured to display an image representing astate of the photographing apparatus and to receive a gesture; acontroller configured to enable a function of the touchscreen to detectthe gesture based on a signal received from the sensor, and to perform afunction corresponding to the gesture; wherein a viewfinder of thephotographing apparatus is configured to simultaneously display both animage to be photographed and a menu of items that can be selected viagestures received by the touchscreen; and wherein the touchscreen is atleast partially located on a top side of the photographing apparatus. 2.The photographing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to enable the function of detecting the gesture based on thesignal received from the sensor while the image representing the stateof the photographing apparatus is displayed.
 3. The photographingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whetherthe user is within a predetermined proximity the viewfinder.
 4. Thephotographing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is configuredto display an image representing a function performed by thephotographing apparatus on the viewfinder.
 5. The photographingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to set thefunction corresponding to the gesture based on receiving a user input.6. The photographing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the functioncorresponding to the gesture comprises setting a photographingenvironment.
 7. The photographing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefunction corresponding to the gesture comprises adjusting a position ofa focus of an image.
 8. The photographing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe function corresponding to the gesture comprises executing anapplication installed in the photographing apparatus.
 9. Thephotographing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the image representing thestate of the photographing apparatus includes at least one of:information about a currently-set function and information representinga state of a battery.
 10. A method of controlling a photographingapparatus, comprising: determining whether a user is within apredetermined proximity of the photographing apparatus; enabling afunction of detecting a gesture via a touchscreen when the user iswithin a predetermined proximity of the photographing apparatus;executing a function corresponding to the gesture when the gesture isdetected; wherein a viewfinder of the photographing apparatussimultaneously displays both an image to be photographed and a menu ofitems that can be selected via gestures; and wherein the touchscreen isat least partially located on a top side of the photographing apparatus.11. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying an imagerepresenting a state of the photographing apparatus, wherein determiningwhether the user is within a predetermined proximity of thephotographing apparatus comprises determining whether the user is withina predetermined proximity of the photographing apparatus while the imageis displayed.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whetherthe user is within a predetermined proximity of the photographingapparatus comprises determining whether the user is within apredetermined proximity of the viewfinder included in the photographingapparatus.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying animage representing a function performed by the photographing apparatuson the viewfinder.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprisingsetting the function corresponding to the gesture based on receiving auser input.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the functioncorresponding to the gesture comprises setting a photographingenvironment.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the functioncorresponding to the gesture comprises adjusting a position of a focusof an image.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the functioncorresponding to the gesture comprises executing an applicationinstalled in the photographing apparatus.
 18. The method of claim 11,wherein the image representing the state of the photographing apparatusincludes at least one of: information about a currently-set function andinformation representing a state of a battery.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium that stores a program that performsthe method of claim 10 when executed by a computer.